可以

• Pinyin: kě yǐ
• Hanzi breakdown: 可 (kě) — can, able to; 以 (yǐ) — by means of, with

Meaning

Can; may; to be allowed to. Expresses ability, permission, or possibility.

Used to indicate that something is permitted, feasible, or acceptable. Often used in requests for permission. Also used to express approval or agreement in responses.

Examples

1. 你可以坐这里。 You can sit here.
2. 我可以用一下你的笔吗？ May I use your pen?
3. 这里可以停车吗？ Can you park here?

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, permission, requests

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 可以！(Sure! / OK!)
• 这里不可以拍照。(Photography is not allowed here.)

Don't Say

• 不要说'我可以说中文好' (Don't use 可以 for learned abilities — use 会 for skills: 我会说中文)

Origin & History

Compound of 可 (can, able to) and 以 (by means of, with). An ancient construction that has remained in continuous use.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal